International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March, and is meant to focus attention on the importance of water to the global economy and encourage sustainability.

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Since October last year Southern Africa has been affected by the worst recorded drought for the region, with almost 14 million people facing hunger as a result of reduced rainfall.

International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March, and is meant to focus attention on the importance of water to the global economy and encourage sustainability.

To commemorate this day, here are seven water saving tips that can contribute to water reservation for future generations. Some will result in immediate savings, while others will result in longer-term savings.

Use less water outside during the day. Water gardens early in the morning before the sun comes up or in the evening when the sun has set to prevent evaporation losses. Opting for indigenous plants for your garden will also result in less water usage because these kinds of plants can survive for long periods without water.

Fix a leaking tap or toilet as soon as the fault is discovered. Although you may not be using water from your home while away at work, the plumbing faults in your home can contribute to water wastage.

Install low flow shower heads and dual flush toilets. Low flush shower heads help to conserve water and save money because they use up to 50% less water than regular shower heads. A dual-flush toilet has a short flush button for liquids and a longer flush button for solids.

Make a point of saving water during your daily routines. Never leave the tap running, even while brushing your teeth. When taking a shower, put a bucket underneath the running water and switch the tap off when you are finished. The water saved from the bucket can be used to water the garden, for household cleaning, or to soak laundry.

Install a grey water system. This is a system that diverts water that does not contain sewage to somewhere else in your household. For example, the water that you use to wash your hands or clean vegetables can be diverted to your shower or for flushing the toilet. This will require professional plumbing and maintenance.

Avoid refilling swimming pools during long periods of water scarcity

Install a rainwater storage tank, which collects water runoff from your rooftop. Stored water may be used for watering gardens, agriculture, flushing toilets, in washing machines, washing cars, and also for drinking, especially when other water supplies are unavailable.

Without water it would be impossible to survive.

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